Grip for sporting equipment

ABSTRACT

A grip for sporting equipment includes a base defining a receiver for receiving a gripping end. The base includes a pair of opposed grip base ends and an intervening center portion. At least one sheet of material is provided for encircling at least the base center portion whereby opposed edges of the sheet of material define a gap. A stitching pattern secures the two opposed edges one to the other and closes the gap to define a closed seam. A sealing strip may overlay the closed seam and stitching. Optionally, the opposed abutting edges are beveled whereby the closed seam and stitching are disposed within a groove formed by closing the gap. In turn, items of sporting equipment and methods for providing grips for sporting equipment are described.

This application claims priority as a continuation-in-part of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 13/012,396 filed on Jun. 24, 2011 which in turn is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 12/410,973 filed on Mar. 25, 2009, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to the field of grips for articles of sporting equipment having a gripping end, such as golf clubs and tennis rackets. In particular, the present disclosure relates to grips for incorporating one or more layers of material for displaying a decorative, textured, or informational design, and to methods for securing such layers to a grip.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The grip provided on most sporting equipment having a gripping end, such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, and the like, provides cushioning and reduces slippage of the user's hands, thereby improving the user's enjoyment of the sport of choice. As illustrated in FIG. 1, to provide the desired cushioned, reduced slippage surface for gripping, a grip 100 for such sporting equipment sometimes takes the form of a single, solid piece 120 with a hollow interior 110 that fits over an end of the gripping end 12. In an alternative embodiment, a grip 200 for such sporting equipment may comprise a grip base 210 (often referred to as an “underlisting”) and an overlapping cushioning layer 220, as shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b. The grip base 210 has ends 230 and 240 and may be slipped or rolled onto the gripping end 12, and the cushioning layer 220 may be wrapped around the grip base 210. Also, information regarding the equipment, such as a logo indicating the source of the goods, or a decorative design, may be displayed on the cushioning layer 220 of the grip.

Often, users desire large grips, for example, to accommodate the user's hand size and prevent the overlapping of the user's hands. However, increasing the size of the grip typically greatly increases the weight of the grip as well. Further, such an increase in the weight of the grip often significantly inhibits the user's performance in the sport of choice.

Typically, the cushioning layer of a grip is secured to the grip base using any of a number of adhesives well known in the art. The installer may apply the adhesive to the grip base or to the cushioning layer, or the grip base or the cushioning layer may be purchased with an adhesive substance already on the surface. The installer then simply wraps the cushioning layer around the grip base or underlisting and slips the base onto the gripping end.

Use of adhesive between the grip base and supervening layers of material, and between abutting edges of the cushioning or other layers, initially provides a strong and secure bond. However, over time and with use, the adhesive bond tends to deteriorate, impairing the bond between the material layer and the grip base and potentially resulting in a damaged or even unusable grip requiring repair or replacement. Still further, the seam left by conventional methods of securing sheets of material to grip bases as described herein may provide an undesirable feel to the user's hand.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a means for securely attaching layers of material, such as cushioning layers, design sheets, and/or combinations thereof, to a grip base for a grip for sporting equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the need identified in the art, in one aspect the present disclosure describes a grip for sporting equipment having a gripping end, comprising a grip base or underlisting, a pair of grip ends having a grip end portion extending from each of the grip ends, and a center portion adapted to receive the gripping end in an interior thereof. Each grip end portion defines a receiver adapted for receiving at least a portion of one or more layers substantially overlaying the center portion. Typically, the grip end portions will be fabricated of a durable material for protecting the at least one grip end from damage and will extend various lengths along the gripping end. The center portion and grip ends may define or partially define a receiver for receiving the gripping end.

It will be appreciated that the grip end portions may be attached to the center portion using any method of attachment known in the art, for example, a friction fit, a snap fit, adhesive, any combination of adhesive and the aforementioned fittings, and the like. In the alternative, the grip end portions and the center portion may be formed or molded as a single unit using any method of formation or molding known in the art, for example, injection molding, compression molding, extrusion molding, casting, and the like. The center portion will typically define a cross section that is narrower or thinner than, for example, the one-piece grip shown in FIG. 1, to accommodate various overlaying layers of material of differing thicknesses as will be described.

Any suitable adhesive as is known in the art may be used to affix the grip base to the gripping end, to affix the one or more layers to the center portion and to affix the one or more layers to one another. Also or in the alternative, the center portion and the one or more layers may be manufactured of compatible materials such that heat and pressure bond them together.

It will be appreciated that any material having the desired properties, such as where appropriate durability, thickness, strength, cushioning, tackiness, and aesthetically pleasing appearance may be used in fabricating the grip end portions and the receivers. Any number of suitable materials are contemplated, such as rubber, polymers, latex, natural or synthetic leather, closed cell foams, open cell foams, natural material, synthetic material, or any other material currently used in fabricating grips for sports equipment. In turn, any material having the desired properties of strength, durability, thickness, cushioning, and shock absorption required for underlying the layers may be used in fabricating the center portion, such as polymers, rubber, latex, natural or synthetic leather, natural material, synthetic material, or any other material currently used in fabricating grips for sports equipment.

Certain of the one or more layers may take any of a variety of forms, such as a hollow sleeve or cylinder, a planar sheet having two side edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge, or the like. Again, any material having the desired properties, such as where appropriate durability, thickness, strength, cushioning, tackiness, and aesthetically pleasing appearance may be used in fabricating any of the one or more layers, such as polymers, closed cell foams, open cell foams, latex, rubber, natural or synthetic leather, natural material, synthetic material, or any other material currently used in fabricating grips for sports equipment. A variety of such materials are known in the art.

In addition, any of the one or more layers may be fabricated of any suitable lightweight material, such as closed cell foams, open cell foams, polymers, or synthetic materials. The thickness of the layers formed of such a lightweight material may be increased without greatly increasing the weight of the grip, thereby allowing significant increases in the cross-sectional diameter of the grip without greatly increasing the weight of the grip. Any of the one or more layers, but typically the layer to be disposed on top of any other layers attached to the grip base, may be fabricated of a suitable substantially transparent material to provide a protective surface for a design placed on the gripping surface while still allowing visualization of the design.

The grip end portion receivers may take any form suitable to receive at least one of the one or more layers, including but not limited to a flange, rim, projecting edge, lip, slant, groove, bevel, channel, slot, slit, notch, and the like. Advantageously, the receivers assist in preventing the leakage of adhesive from an area between the center portion and the one or more layers as well as from areas between the one or more layers. In addition, the receivers assist in protecting at least a portion of opposed edges of the one or more layers attached to the grip base from damage.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a design sheet, that is, a layer of material incorporating a decorative, informational, and/or textured design, for overlaying at least the center portion of the above-described grip base. The design sheet includes edges which, when the design sheet is wrapped around the grip base, define a gap. Stitching passing through the material of the design sheet but not the grip base is used to close the gap, increasing contact and pressure between the design sheet and the underlying layers of material and defining a closed seam with the edges of the design sheet abutting one another. As will be appreciated, the stitching provides a mechanical bond to maintain the design sheet in place, such as in extremes of temperature that may weaken an adhesive bond. In an embodiment, the design sheet opposed edges are beveled such that, on application of the stitching, the defined closed seam is disposed within a groove or channel defined by the beveled edges. The groove allows use of stitching to secure the abutting beveled edges one to the other while keeping that stitching and the stitched closed seam disposed below an outer circumferential surface of the design sheet.

Still other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art grip formed of a single, solid piece of material;

FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of a prior art grip having a hollow cylinder and an overlapping cushioning layer;

FIG. 2 b shows an exploded view of the prior art grip of FIG. 2 a having a hollow cylinder and an overlapping cushioning layer;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the grip of the present invention, having grip end portions, a center portion, and layers, including a cushioning layer and a transparent layer, for overlaying the center portion;

FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of the grip of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the grip of FIGS. 3 and 4 installed on a gripping end of sporting equipment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the grip of the present invention, having grip end portions, a center portion, and layers, including a lightweight layer and a transparent layer, for overlaying the center portion;

FIG. 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of the grip of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the grip of FIGS. 6 and 7 installed on a gripping end of sporting equipment;

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the grip of the present invention, having grip end portions, a center portion, and layers, including a lightweight layer, a cushioning layer, and a transparent layer, for overlaying the center portion;

FIGS. 10 a-10 c show different embodiments of the grip end portion receivers of the grip of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 a shows a design sheet encircling a grip base;

FIG. 11 b shows an embodiment of the design sheet of FIG. 11 a secured around a grip base by stitching according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 c shows an alternate embodiment of the design sheet of FIG. 11 a secured around a grip base by stitching according to the present disclosure.

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a grip base 10 for sporting equipment having a gripping end. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the grip base 10 comprises grip ends 14 a and 14 b, grip end portions 16 a and 16 b, and a center portion 18. The grip end portions 16 a and 16 b extend by lengths L₁ and L₂, respectively, from the grip ends 14 a and 14 b, respectively. The grip end portions 16 a and 16 b may be fabricated of a durable material for protecting the grip ends 14 a and 14 b from damage.

The center portion 18, which may take the form of a hollow cylinder, is located between the grip end portions 16 a and 16 b. The center portion is adapted for receiving the gripping end 12 in an interior thereof, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8. The grip end portions 16 a and 16 b are also adapted for receiving the gripping end 12 in an interior 11 thereof. Turning to FIGS. 4 and 7, the grip end portions 16 a and 16 b define receivers 17 a and 17 b, respectively. In combination, the center portion 18 and the receivers 17 a and 17 b define an area, receiver, or cut-out to which one or more layers of material may be applied and attached to center portion 18 of the grip 10.

The receivers 17 a and 17 b may be adapted to receive a first layer of material, such as a layer 22 or 62, disposed over the center portion. In this manner, the receivers 17 a and 17 b assist in protecting opposed edges of the first layer from damage. The receivers 17 a and 17 b may take any form suitable to receive the first layer. Exemplary forms of the receivers 17 a and 17 b include, without limitation, a flange, rim, projecting edge, lip, slant, groove, bevel, channel, slot, slit, or notch. Non-limiting examples of embodiments of receivers 17 a and 17 b are shown in FIGS. 10 a-10 c. The first layer may also take any of a variety of forms, such as a hollow sleeve or cylinder, a planar sheet having two side edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge, or the like. A second layer of material, such as a layer 32, may also be disposed over the first layer, and the receivers 17 a and 17 b may be adapted also to receive the second layer. Accordingly, the receivers 17 a and 17 b may also assist in protecting opposed ends of the second layer from damage.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, a third layer, such as a layer 94, may be disposed over the second layer, such as a layer 92, and the second layer may be disposed over the first layer, such as a layer 62. The receivers 17 a and 17 b may be adapted also to receive the third layer. It will be appreciated that multiple additional layers could be disposed over first, second, and third layers, in accordance with the needs and desires of the user, i.e. in accordance with the desired properties of cushioning, aesthetics, thickness or diameter, durability, tackiness, etc.

By selecting materials which provide the desired properties and applying same in multiple layers rather than as single solid pieces or fewer layers as conventionally done in the art, it is possible to provide a grip having desired properties without significantly increasing total weight. As a non-limiting example, a first layer 22 could be selected for a desirable property of durability, a second layer 32 could be selected for a desirable property of cushioning, and a third layer 94 could be selected for a desirable property of tackiness. By using these three layers, rather than a grip formed of a single piece of material or an underlisting and a single thick layer of material wrapped around that underlisting, properties of durability, cushioning, and tackiness can be imparted while still providing a finished grip of lesser weight.

Returning to FIG. 3, it will also be appreciated that the grip end portions 16 a and 16 b may be attached to the center portion 18 using any method of attachment known in the art. For example, a combination of adhesive and friction fit may be used to attach the grip end portions 16 a and 16 b to the center portion 18. Alternatively, only a friction fit or only an adhesive may be desirable. In still other embodiments, snap fit structures may be used for attaching the grip end portions 16 a and 16 b to the center portion 18. Even further, the grip end portions 16 a and 16 b and the center portion 18 may be formed or molded as a single unit using any method of formation or molding known in the art. For example, injection molding, compression molding, extrusion molding, casting, and the like may be used to form the grip end portions 16 a and 16 b and the center portion 18 as a single unit.

Also, a suitable adhesive may be coated onto an outer surface of the center portion 18 to affix the first layer, such as the layer 22, to the center portion 18. Alternatively, the adhesive may be coated onto an inner surface of the first layer, or onto both surfaces. Still further, the center portion or the first layer may be pre-coated with the adhesive during manufacture. Numerous suitable adhesives are known in the art. In other embodiments, the center portion and the first layer may be manufactured of compatible materials such that application of sufficient heat and/or pressure cause them to form a bond. The first layer may then be placed over or wrapped around the center portion 18 and received in the receivers 17 a and 17 b. In this manner, the receivers 17 a and 17 b may assist in preventing the leakage of adhesive from an area between the first layer and the center portion 18.

A suitable adhesive may also be coated onto an outer surface of the first layer, such as the layer 22, onto an inner surface of the second layer, such as the layer 32, or onto both surfaces to affix the surfaces together. Alternatively, the first layer or the second layer may be pre-coated with the adhesive during manufacture. Again, numerous suitable adhesive substances are known in the art. In yet another embodiment, the layers may be manufactured of compatible materials such that heat and pressure bond them together. The second layer may then be placed over the first layer and received in the receivers 17 a and 17 b. In this regard, the receivers 17 a and 17 b may also assist in preventing the leakage of adhesive from an area between the second layer and the first layer.

Turning to FIG. 9, a suitable adhesive may be also used to connect the second layer, such as the layer 92, and the third layer, such as the layer 94, as well as any subsequent layers. In turn, the third and any subsequent layers may then be received in the receivers 17 a and 17 b, and the receivers 17 a and 17 b may also assist in preventing the leakage of adhesive from areas between these layers.

Returning to FIG. 3, the lengths L₁ and L₂ of the grip end portions 16 a and 16 b may be varied to any length having the desired property of protecting the grip ends from damage. In particular embodiments, the grip end portions 16 a and 16 b may be manufactured to extend along a length of from about 1 millimeter to about 98 millimeters along the gripping end 12 (shown in FIG. 5). In other embodiments, the grip end portions flanges may be manufactured to extend along a length of at least 0.05 inches from an edge of the grip end portions. It will be appreciated that the grip end portions may also extend various other lengths along the gripping end.

Any material having one or more desired properties of durability, thickness, strength, cushioning, tackiness, and aesthetically pleasing appearance may be used in fabricating the grip end portions 16 a and 16 b and the receivers 17 a and 17 b, such as rubber, polymers, latex, natural or synthetic leather, closed cell foams, open cell foams, natural material, synthetic material, or any other material currently used in fabricating grips for sports equipment. The thickness of the grip end portions may be varied in accordance with the needs of the user, i.e. in accordance with the preferred thickness/diameter of the finished grip.

Any material having one or more desired properties of durability, thickness, strength, cushioning, tackiness, and shock absorption required for underlying the layers may be used in fabricating the center portion 18, such as polymers, rubber, latex, natural or synthetic leather, natural material, synthetic material, or any other material currently used in fabricating grips for sports equipment. The thickness of the center portion may also be varied in accordance with the needs of the user, i.e. in accordance with the user's hand size and preferred grip thickness.

Also, any material having the desired properties of cushioning, tackiness, aesthetics, durability, thickness, strength, and aesthetically pleasing appearance required for a slip-resistant grip may be used in fabricating any of the layers, such as polymers (for example polystyrene or polyurethane), closed cell foams, open cell foams, latex, rubber, natural or synthetic leather, natural material, synthetic material, or any other material currently used in fabricating grips for sports equipment. The thickness of any of the layers may be varied in accordance with the needs of the user, i.e. in accordance with the user's hand size and preferred grip thickness.

In addition, any of the layers may be fabricated of any suitable lightweight material, such as closed cell foams, open cell foams, polymers (for example polystyrene or polyurethane), or synthetic foams. In addition, an elongated strip, such as the elongated strip with a locking mechanism as is described in the present inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,959 for a Grip for Sports Equipment, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, may be used to provide one or more of the recited layers. As illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, the thickness of the layers, such as the layer 62, formed of such a lightweight material may be increased without greatly increasing the weight of the grip, thereby increasing the size of the grip without greatly increasing the weight of the grip. In this manner, an oversized grip of reduced weight may be provided. Such a reduced weight oversized grip may be desirable for various reasons, such as accommodating the user's hand size and preventing the overlapping of the user's hands without increasing the grip weight (and by extension the weight of the equipment to which the grip is attached) to a weight that inhibits the user's performance in the sport of choice.

Any of the layers also may be fabricated of a suitable substantially transparent material and may protect a design placed on the grip while still allowing visualization of the design. Typically, the substantially transparent layer would be positioned on top of any other layers forming the finished grip. Such a system is described in the present inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,675 for a Display Grip for Sports Equipment, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Turning to FIGS. 11 a-c, there are shown embodiments of a material layer or wrap 62 encircling center portion 18 (shown in the inset in FIGS. 11 b and 11 c) of a grip base 10 according to the present disclosure. As shown therein, layer 62 encircles center portion 18, and may be attached thereto by any conventional means such as a suitable adhesive. Layer 62 affixed to center portion 18 may present a plain outer surface, or may present an outer surface displaying a decorative, textured, or informational design (not shown for convenience).

On first wrapping layer 62 around grip base 10, a gap 120 is defined between adjacent abutting edges of layer 62 such that adjoining edges of the layer 62 do not quite contact one another. In embodiments, gap 120 defines a distance of from about 0.01 mm to about 5 mm. As is shown in FIG. 11 b, the layer 62 edges that are adjacent to one another when layer 62 is wrapped around grip base 10 to define gap 120 may be beveled. However, it will be appreciated that the feature of beveled edges defining gap 120 is optional (see FIG. 11 c).

Stitching 124 is used to secure layer 62 edges one to another to close gap 120 and form a closed seam 121, without extending that stitching into the center portion 18 of grip base 10. That is, the stitches pass through the material of layer 62, but not the material of center portion 18 or of any other layer of material which may underlay layer 62. Stitches may be placed at any suitable interval, in embodiments being from about 0.5 mm to about 300 mm apart. Thus, on tightening the stitching 124, the adjoining edges of layer 62 are drawn towards one another to form closed seam 121. Concomitantly, layer 62 applies a compressive force to grip base 10. Thus, contact and pressure between layer 62 and grip base 10 are increased. This also improves the contact between the layer 62 and the underlying adhesive, to promote better bonding therebetween.

After applying and tightening stitching 124 to form closed seam 121, suitable heat and pressure (from about 33° F. to about 120° F. and from about 0.1 Kg to about 100 Kg, depending on the material from which layer 62 is fabricated) may be applied to a top surface of layer 62, at least at the area defined by closed seam 121 and stitching 124, to compact the stitching area, further bond the material of layer 62, and provide a substantially flush surface. As set forth above, a number of polymers and other materials are known to respond to appropriate application of heat and pressure in this manner, such as those used in permanent press materials. Such materials are contemplated for use herein. Because of the compacting effect of the applied heat and pressure providing a substantially flush surface, the user will not be substantially able to feel seam 121 or stitching 124 during use of the finished grip, further improving user acceptance of the grip of the present disclosure. The skilled artisan will appreciate also that even if the adhesive bond deteriorates over time, due to heat, or through use, layer 62 will remain secured to grip base 10 at least by stitching 124.

As is also shown in FIG. 11 b (see inset), in an embodiment the layer 62 edges that are adjacent to one another to define gap 120 may be beveled whereby stitching 124 causes those edges to define a groove or channel 122 with closed seam 121 disposed in an interior portion thereof. Because of the beveled edges of layer 62 defining groove 122, stitching 124 and seam 121 are disposed below a plane defined by an outer circumference of layer 62 when disposed on grip base 10.

An optional sealing strip 126 (shown for convenience as a partial strip 126 in FIGS. 11 b and 11 c) such as an adhesive seam tape may be used to cover seam 121 and stitching 124. The seam tape may present a plain outer surface or may include a textured outer surface that is the same as or is distinct from the outer surface of layer 62, according to user and/or manufacturer preferences. Optionally, heat and/or pressure may be applied to the grip as set forth above after application of the sealing strip 126, compacting and bonding the stitching area, the material of layer 62, and the sealing strip 126 material to provide a substantially flush surface. In this embodiment, as before polymers and other materials known to respond to appropriate application of heat and pressure in this manner are contemplated for fabrication of sealing strip 126. Again, because of the compacting effect of the applied heat and pressure providing a substantially flush surface, the user will not be substantially able to feel seam 121, stitching 124, or sealing strip 126 during use of the finished grip, further improving user acceptance of the grip of the present disclosure.

Stitching 124 defining any suitable pattern is contemplated for use. As non-limiting examples, it is contemplated to use any one of a continuous running stitch, a “baseball” stitch, or a running locked stitch as are well known in the stitching and suturing arts for closing and/or securing a longitudinal gap or seam as described herein. Alternatively, separate individual stitching patterns such as suture patterns are contemplated.

Finally (not shown in FIG. 11, but see FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 8), a substantially transparent top layer 32 may be overlaid over at least layer 62, providing a protective covering that allows visualization of any design element of layer 62. Top layer 32 may be a planar sheet (FIGS. 3 and 6), but may also be configured as a hollow sleeve (not shown) which may be slipped or rolled over layer 62. Still further, it is contemplated to form the substantially transparent top layer 32 by applying a liquid polymer to an outer surface of the grip base 10 and/or layer 62, and drying the liquid polymer to provide a substantially transparent film. The liquid polymer may be applied by dipping, rolling, brushing, or spraying, or by any other suitable means for applying a liquid polymer. Particularly in the case where layer 62 incorporates a decorative or informational design element, but also in any situation where it is desired to provide additional protection to any element or feature of a layer 62 as disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that this provides a protective layer 32 whereby such a decorative or informational design element or other feature may be viewed without risk of damage from the elements or through use.

Accordingly, the grip of the present invention provides several advantages over conventional grips. One or more of the layers of the disclosed grip may be fabricated of any suitable lightweight material, allowing the size of the grip to be increased without greatly increasing the weight of the grip. At the same time, the grip of the present invention does not compromise the desirable properties of the grip or prevent the display of information on the gripping area.

Because the receivers 17 a and 17 b of the grip receive the layers, the incidence of leakage of the adhesive during fabrication or use of the grip from the inner surfaces of the layers of the grip is reduced. In this manner, staining and damaging of the layers from leaking adhesive is also reduced, and the grip's ability to provide a cushioned, reduced slippage surface without damage from leaking adhesive is enhanced. The reduction of leaking adhesive lessens damage to or obscuring of information and decorative designs displayed on the grip. Still further, receivers 17 a and 17 b protect at least a portion of any layers of material applied to the grip base 10, such as the edges of such layers, from damage, wear and tear, etc. In addition, the thickness and durability of the grip end portions may assist in reducing damage to the grip from contact with other grips, golf bags, etc.

Still further, the presently described feature of securing a layer 62 such as a design sheet using both adhesive and a stitch pattern disposed through abutting edges of that layer 62 allows better securing of the layer to a grip according to the present disclosure, even if the grip is exposed to extremes of temperature or climate such that the adhesive bond weakens.

The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, an end cap may overlay an end of the grip end portion 16 a on the distal portion of gripping end 12, either before or after the grip 10 of the present invention is installed thereon, using a combination of adhesive and a friction fit as is known in the art. A rib and groove structure as is described in the present inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,675 for a Display Grip for Sports Equipment may also be used to secure the grip end portion 16 a to the end cap.

The embodiment described was chosen to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A grip for sporting equipment having a gripping end, comprising: a base defining a receiver for receiving the gripping end, the base comprising a pair of opposed grip base ends and an intervening center portion having a lesser width dimension than the opposed grip base ends; at least one resilient sheet of material including opposed edges and being dimensioned whereby when the sheet of material is disposed to encircle the base center portion the opposed edges are spaced apart to define a gap; and stitching securing the opposed edges one to the other without passing through the base center portion, the gap being closed by the stitching wherein a compressive force between the at least one sheet of material and the base center portion is increased and a closed seam is defined.
 2. The grip of claim 1, further including a compacted and bonded said closed seam and stitching defining a substantially flush top surface, caused by a suitable application of heat and/or pressure.
 3. The grip of claim 2, wherein the sheet of material opposed edges are beveled to define a groove or channel having the stitching disposed in an interior thereof.
 4. The grip of claim 2, further including a sealing strip overlaying the closed seam and stitching.
 5. The grip of claim 4, further including a compacted and bonded said closed seam, stitching, and sealing strip defining a substantially flush top surface, caused by a suitable application of heat and/or pressure.
 6. The grip of claim 1, wherein the stitching is selected from one of a continuous running stitch, a baseball stitch, or a running locked stitch.
 7. An article of sporting equipment, comprising; a shaft extending from a distal end to a gripping end; and a grip positioned on the gripping end; wherein the grip comprises: a base defining a receiver for receiving the gripping end, the base comprising a pair of opposed grip base ends and an intervening center portion having a lesser width dimension than the opposed grip base ends; at least one resilient sheet of material including opposed edges and being dimensioned whereby when the sheet of material is disposed to encircle the base center portion the opposed edges are spaced apart to define a gap; and stitching securing the opposed abutting edges one to the other without passing through the base center portion, the gap being closed by the stitching whereby a compressive force between the at least one sheet of material and the base center portion is increased and a closed seam is defined.
 8. The article of claim 7, further including a compacted and bonded said closed seam and stitching defining a substantially flush top surface, caused by a suitable application of heat and/or pressure.
 9. The article of claim 7, wherein the sheet of material opposed edges are beveled to define a groove or channel having the stitching disposed in an interior thereof.
 10. The article of claim 7, further including a sealing strip overlaying the closed seam and stitching.
 11. The article of claim 10, further including a compacted and bonded said closed seam, stitching, and sealing strip defining a substantially flush top surface, caused by a suitable application of heat and/or pressure.
 12. The article of claim 7, wherein the stitching is selected from one of a continuous running stitch, a baseball stitch, or a running locked stitch.
 13. A method of making a grip for sporting equipment having a gripping end, comprising: providing a base defining a receiver for receiving the gripping end, the base comprising a pair of opposed grip base ends and an intervening center portion having a lesser width dimension than the opposed grip base ends; providing at least one resilient sheet of material having opposed edges and being dimensioned whereby when the sheet is disposed to encircle the base center portion the opposed edges are spaced apart to define a gap; encircling the base center portion with the at least one at least one sheet of material; and securing the opposed edges one to the other by stitching passing through the sheet of material but not the base whereby the stitching increases a compressive force between the sheet of material and the base and closes the gap to define a closed seam.
 14. The method of claim 13, further including compacting and bonding the closed seam and stitching to define a substantially flush top surface by a suitable application of heat and/or pressure.
 15. The method of claim 13, further including providing the sheet of material having opposed beveled edges to define a groove or channel having the stitching disposed in an interior thereof after the securing.
 16. The method of claim 13, further including overlaying the closed seam and stitching with a sealing strip.
 17. The method of claim 16, further including compacting and bonding the closed seam, stitching, and sealing strip to define a substantially flush top surface by a suitable application of heat and/or pressure.
 18. The method of claim 13, including the step of selecting the stitching from one of a continuous running stitch, a baseball stitch, or a running locked stitch. 